Peyton Place
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Movie Reviews of Peyton Place
Movie Review: You'll get this for its "scandalous" reputation, but enjoy it for its great story
Summary: 4 Stars
Long before David Lynch was fascinated with the notion of wholesome-looking small towns hiding dark underbellies, "Peyton Place" examined the same theme. In fact, "Peyton Place" took the idea one step further: the dark doings under the surface of a "nice" town were one thing, but equally damaging was the fear that one's mistakes, misfortunes, and private business would "get out" and everyone would know about them. That fear, in turn, made it very difficult- at least in this story- to face up to and correct the initial misstep or problem, and thus a vicious circle was created.
So, while "Peyton Place" can definitely be called a soap opera (as every possible over-the-top soap opera situation confronts its many characters), it's a pretty sophisticated soap opera that has something serious to say about adults needing to act like adults and stop being such gossips and busybodies.
I just discovered "Peyton Place" and was surprised how entertaining and well crafted it is. In addition to the film's involving storyline (many storylines, actually), there's a great Franz Waxman score and some incredible scenery. The DVD offers a clean, sharp widescreen print of the film and an interesting and entertaining commentary by members of the original cast. Do yourself a favor and check this movie out
Movie Review: Good film, so-so Special Features
Summary: 4 Stars
As other reviewers have discussed the film in good detail, I will just say I have always enjoyed Peyton Place. It is one of the few instances where the film rises over the material presented.
However, I found the special features on the DVD to be very disappointing. The extra audio track is Russ Tamblyn and Terry Moore discussing the film (unfortunately most of the other stars are dead, so this is the best they could do). They are obviously not in the same room, so there is no interaction between them. Tamblyn's comments are okay, but Moore is constantly reminding us of the few high points of her so-so career.
The other special feature is the show done by AMC's Hollywood Backstory on the film - and like other Backstory's, overly dwells with sensational tidbits (especially Lana Turner's ordeal when her daughter killed her mob boyfriend).
Get the DVD for a good quality presentation of a favorite film, but not to learn anything substantive about it.
Movie Review: Rises above it's written source
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is worth watching just for the cinematography and musical score alone. William C. Mellor's opening sequence paints a picture of New England as a dreamy, wistful and idyllic wonderland (filmed on location in Camden, Maine). Franz Waxman's children say this score was his favorite and clearly his best work. It is hauntingly beautiful. Hope Lange, Diane Varsi, Arthur Kennedy, Russ Tamblyn, Betty Field and Lana Turner all turn in excellent performances.
The story moves along briskly and credibly - until the last 20 minuutes. The final courtroom scenes with Lorne Greene and Lloyd Nolan are too hokey, preachy and totally unrealistic. By then it doesn't matter because you have already enjoyed a beautiful ride through a classic Hollywood 1950's soap.
Movie Review: TURNER
Summary: 4 Stars
Lana Turner was superb in this classic. SHE was hot, hot, hot. The TV series of Peyton Place was wonderful to watch, week to week. The series was similar to many current day soap operas...including our long time favorite...As The World Turns. Our kids and grandkids continue to watch ATWT on CBS at 2PM here in Florida...they are the 3rd and 4th generations of STICKS to watch...thanks in part to Lana Turner acting in the movie, Peyton Place.Movie Review: Was This Where SoapOperas Began ?
Summary: 4 Stars
Regardless, Peyton Place is very,very dramatic, almost too much so.
It is distracting and interesting. The cast has many beautiful women. It is at first a film you won't want to blink too much for fear of missing a scene, but it drags on.
I realize this is a classic, so I gave four stars.However, I think it's more of a film for ladies than for men.